In-situ detoxification of schedule-I chemical warfare agents utilizing Zr(OH)@W-ACF functional material for the development of next generation NBC protective gears.

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) have become a pivotal concern for the global community and spurred a wide spectrum of research for the development of new generation protective materials. Herein, a highly effective self-detoxifying filter consisting of in-situ immobilized Zirconium hydroxide [Zr(OH)] over woven activated carbon fabric [Zr(OH)@W-ACF] is presented for the removal of CWAs. It was prepared to harness the synergistic effect of high surface area of W-ACF, leads to high dispersion of CWAs and high phosphilicity and reactivity of [Zr(OH)].

Screening of core filter layer for the development of respiratory mask to combat COVID-19.

The severe outbreak of respiratory coronavirus disease 2019 has increased the significant demand of respiratory mask and its use become ubiquitous worldwide to control this unprecedented respiratory pandemic. The performance of a respiratory mask depends on the efficiency of the filter layer which is mostly made of polypropylene melt blown non-woven (PP-MB-NW). So far, very limited characterization data are available for the PPE-MB-NW in terms to achieve desired particulate filtration efficiency (PFE) against 0.

Luminol-Based Turn-On Fluorescent Sensor for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Sulfur Mustard at Ambient Temperature.

We have explored a novel turn-on fluorescence detection of sulfur mustard (SM) at "room temperature". The innovative protocol that uses the combination of luminol and an ionic liquid in water exhibits fluorescence detection of SM within seconds. In this simple, fast, and low-cost chemosensing method, luminol acts as the receptor as well as a signaling element, and the ionic liquid (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide) provides the requisite and polarizing medium to realize the detection at "room temperature".

Surface plasmon resonance sensing of Ebola virus: a biological threat.

Here, different monoclonal antibodies (mAb1, mAb2 and mAb3) of Ebola virus were screened in a real-time and label-free manner using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to select an appropriate antibody for biosensor applications against a biological warfare agent. For this purpose, a gold SPR chip was modified with 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA), and modification was confirmed by FTIR-ATR and EIS. The 4-MBA-modified gold SPR chip was used for immobilization of the recombinant nucleoprotein of Ebola (EBOV-rNP), and the interactions of mAb1, mAb2 and mAb3 were then investigated to determine the best mAb based on the affinity constant (K), expressed as equilibrium dissociation constant.

Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of vesicant agent using Eu/ZnO/pPy nanocomposite.

Herein, we demonstrate a nanocomposite material Eu/ZnO/pPy for enhanced performance in photoelectrocatalytic degradation of chemical warfare agent sulphur mustard (SM) at ambient conditions which is growing concern of the Scientific Community amidst the current climate of terrorism. Eu/ZnO/pPy was electrochemically prepared on Au electrode at ambient conditions and was used for electrocatalytic reductive elimination of chloride from SM and results indicated one electron involvement process for the cleavage of the carbon-chloride bond. Surface morphology of Eu/pPy, ZnO/pPy and Eu/ZnO/pPy composites were characterized by SEM and confirmed the formation of the nanoparticles and nanorods on the modified electrode which leads to provide more surface area for the reductive elimination reaction.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of some novel 1-substituted fentanyl analogs in Swiss albino mice.

Fentanyl [N-(1-phenethyl-4-piperidinyl)propionanilide] is a potent opioid analgesic agent, but a has narrow therapeutic index. We reported earlier on the synthesis and bioefficacy of fentanyl and its 1-substituted analogs (1-4) in mice. Here we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of four additional analogs, viz.

Effect of exposure to fentanyl aerosol in mice on breathing pattern and respiratory variables.

The breathing pattern of mice that were exposed to fentanyl aerosol was studied (2.7, 5.7, 6.

A quantitative NMR protocol for the simultaneous analysis of atropine and obidoxime in parenteral injection devices.

A rapid selective and accurate quantitative (1)H NMR method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of obidoxime chloride and atropine sulfate, the active components in parenteral injection devices (PID) used for the emergency treatment of poisoning by toxic organophosphates. The spectra were acquired in 90% H(2)O-10% D(2)O using sodium 3-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propane sulfonate hydrate as the internal standard. Both synthetic mixtures and dosage forms were assayed.

Gas chromatographic retention indices of fentanyl and analogues.

Narcotic analgesics of the fentanyl class are characterized by high potency and relatively short duration of action. These compounds nowadays have become a substitute for heroine and are highly addictive for abusers. Herein, we report retention indices of fentanyl and its eighteen analogues relative to the homologous n-alkane series.

Impregnated silica nanoparticles for the reactive removal of sulphur mustard from solutions.

High surface area (887.3m(2)/g) silica nanoparticles were synthesized using aerogel route and thereafter, characterized by N(2)-Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET), SEM and TEM techniques. The data indicated the formation of nanoparticles of silica in the size range of 24-75 nm with mesoporous characteristics.

Use of single-drop microextraction for determination of fentanyl in water samples.

Fentanyl is a very potent synthetic narcotic analgesic. Because of its strong sedative properties, it has become an analogue of illicit drugs such as heroin. Its unambiguous detection and identification in environmental samples can be regarded as strong evidence of its illicit preparation.